Panalpina Obtains C-TPAT Certification

May 1, 2003
Basel, Switzerland Panalpina, one of the worlds leading providers of forwarding and logistics services, has become a certified member of the US Customs-Trade

Basel, Switzerland – Panalpina, one of the world’s leading providers of forwarding and logistics services, has become a certified member of the US Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.

The C-TPAT program is a joint initiative of the U.S. government and all crucial parties to the logistics chain, designed to protect global commerce from terrorism. Panalpina filed its C-TPAT application and submitted its Executive Summary of the security profile questionnaire responses last year. Having reviewed the submitted security profile, U.S. Customs officially certified Panalpina as a member of the C-TPAT program. It approved Panalpina in the categories Licensed Broker, Air Freight Consolidator, Ocean Transportation Intermediary, and Non-Vessel Operating Common carrier (NVOCC).

To participate in the C-TPAT program, members must develop and implement comprehensive security programs to enhance security both internally and among their partners and customers. Panalpina developed and maintains a complete and detailed security plan in line with U.S. Customs security guidelines. “We have undertaken major efforts to build up and further develop a secure network,” says Juerg Meier, Head of Panalpina Corporate Security. “C-TPAT allows us to review and reinforce our security policies throughout our organization.”

As the C-TPAT guidelines include all parties in the supply chain, such as importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators, and manufactures, Panalpina is determined to communicate the C-TPAT security requirements to its service suppliers and customers. As Panalpina works with selected first-class carriers, most of these service suppliers have applied for membership or already obtained the C-TPAT member status.

As a member of the C-TPAT program, Panalpina is able to benefit from a reduced number on inspections and faster processing of consignments at the border. U.S. Customs will assign to Panalpina a dedicated point of contact and regularly share information to enhance security throughout the company. The close cooperation with U.S. Customs minimized delays and guarantees optimal transit times for Panalpina’s consignments.

For more information, visit www.panalpina.com